New engineering major brings hands-on experience to students

June 25, 2019
By Cullen Westbury

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Some students express their creativity through a computer while sitting at a desk, others while painting on a canvas, and then there are those who prefer to get a little dirty and use their hands to create something incredible.

The Department of Engineering Technology will launch a new major known as manufacturing engineering technology this coming fall for students to bring their hands-on creativity to the workplace.

While many engineers labor at a desk using their mathematically-gifted brains to solve complex equations, manufacturing technology majors are skilled with their hands, and transform a complicated idea into something tangible.

Kyle Kinghorn, Department of Engineering Technology Chair, says, “This major is for those who want to be the guys that work with the engineers to make what has been designed.”

The hands-on training that students will receive through the new major will prepare them to stand out amongst other engineers in the workforce.

“We want to tap into the demand and provide our students with some marketable skills,” Kinghorn said.

Students enrolled in the new major will gain hands-on experience in CNC programming, plastics and composite manufacturing, and quality.

While the need for more manufacturing technology engineers in the workforce grows, so does opportunity for

BYU-Idaho students. The purpose of this new program is to give students more options in the field of engineering.

Kinghorn explains, “Part of the reason that we developed this, is that there’s a really high attrition rate out of engineering. To get a degree in mechanical engineering is tough!”

The manufacturing engineering technology major gives students who have a passion for design and engineering, but may struggle in math, the option to stay on a similar career path after graduation.

Kinghorn adds, “There’s going to be students that tried engineering, really struggle with certain things, but are really good at making stuff with their hands, and this would be a great fit for them.”

The new degree program will prepare students for jobs in manufacturing or process engineering in a wide range of disciplines, including aerospace, automotive, agriculture, and sporting goods.

The effect of the new major is far-reaching. Current students are given more career path options and the ability to earn certificates which will help them on their career path. BYU-Idaho graduates will stand out and have the skills needed to be qualified to work in a more diversified engineering workforce than ever before.